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Waterfalls

The best waterfalls to visit

A practical guide to ten locations for travelers. We evaluate sites based on seasonality, accessibility, and real conditions for your next trip.

10 places3 min readUpdated 26 September 2026
Finding the best waterfalls to visit: A practical guide
The short answer

There is no single global destination that ranks as the best waterfall to visit because conditions vary by season and region. You should choose your location based on local weather patterns to ensure you actually see water flowing instead of a dry rock face.

This list focuses on ten specific sites chosen for their unique characteristics. We have organized these by the months when they are most accessible to help you plan your travel schedule.

1

An observation tower in Sumida

Tokyo Skytree in 2014
Photo: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a broadcasting and observation tower in Tokyo. It reached a full height of 634 metres in 2011. It serves as the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kanto region. The structure is the tallest tower in Japan. Visit in April, May, October, or November for the best weather conditions. It is a modern construction designed for city views rather than natural landscapes.

Suits
Travelers interested in modern engineering and urban panoramas.
Worth knowing
Expect crowds during weekends and public holidays.
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2

Japan's cultural center

Kyoto·Japan
京都御所 紫宸殿

Kyoto is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture. It holds a population of 1.46 million people. It acts as the anchor for a large metropolitan area including Osaka and Kobe. The city is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan. Plan your visit for March, April, October, or November. These months avoid the humid peak of summer.

Suits
Those wanting to explore historical sites and temples.
Worth knowing
The city is very busy during cherry blossom season in spring.
Planning Kyoto?

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3

Performing arts on the harbor

Sydney Opera House and its white sail roofs seen across the harbour

The Sydney Opera House is a performing arts center located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. It opened in 1973. It is recognized as a significant piece of 20th century architecture. The design resulted from an international competition. February, March, April, October, and November offer the most temperate climate. Avoid mid-summer if you dislike high heat and humidity.

Suits
Architecture enthusiasts and performing arts fans.
Worth knowing
Tours are available but tickets for performances sell out months in advance.
Planning Sydney Opera House?

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4

The steel arch of Sydney

Participants on the BridgeClimb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as seen from the Pylon Lookout. Photographed by user Coolcaesar on November 29, 2009.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. CommonsHelper2 Bot assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0

This steel through arch bridge connects the central business district to the North Shore. It opened in 1932. People often call it the Coathanger due to its shape. It carries rail, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic. Visit between February and April or October and November. These periods provide clear skies for better views of the harbor.

Suits
Visitors looking for walking paths with harbor views.
Worth knowing
Bridge climbs are expensive and require advance booking.
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5

A province in southern Thailand

Phuket·Thailand
Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It sits in the Andaman Sea. The province includes 32 smaller islands off the coast. It was historically a key stop on trading routes between India and China. December through March are the best months. The weather is drier during this time of year.

Suits
Beach goers and those interested in island hopping.
Worth knowing
The monsoon season brings heavy rain and dangerous swimming conditions from May to October.
Planning Phuket?

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6

An ancient city in Myanmar

Bagan·Myanmar
Bagan, Burma
Photo: Corto Maltese 1999, CC BY 2.0

Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries. Over 2,200 temples and pagodas remain on the plains today. It serves as a focal point for the regional tourism industry. Go between November and February. The temperatures are manageable during these months.

Suits
History buffs and photographers.
Worth knowing
The area is vast and requires multiple days or a hired driver to see the main sites.
Planning Bagan?

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7

A vast temple complex

Angkor Wat·Cambodia
Angkor Wat, the front side of the main complex, photographed in the late afternoon
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world. It is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Construction lasted from 1113 to 1150 CE. It began as a Hindu temple before becoming a Buddhist site. Plan for November to February. You will avoid the most intense heat of the year.

Suits
Travelers who enjoy ancient ruins and intricate carvings.
Worth knowing
The site is extremely large and requires significant walking in the sun.
Planning Angkor Wat?

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8

A coastal park in Costa Rica

Author: Jacob Norlund Taken in Manuel Antonio National Park, in Costa Rica on April 6, 2005. Resized from 2048 x 1536 prior to uploading.

This park sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It was established in 1972 after locals pushed for conservation. The park protects both land and water areas. It is located near the town of Quepos. Visit from December through April. These months fall within the drier season.

Suits
Nature lovers wanting to see wildlife near the beach.
Worth knowing
The park closes on Tuesdays and requires tickets purchased online in advance.
Planning Manuel Antonio National Park?

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9

The southernmost city

Ushuaia·Argentina
Aerial view of the center of Ushuaia, Argentina.
Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0

Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. It sits below the 54th parallel south. The Beagle Channel lies to the south of the city. The Martial mountain range sits to the north. December to March provides the most daylight and milder temperatures. Winters are very dark and cold.

Suits
Outdoor adventurers and those heading to Antarctica.
Worth knowing
Flights from Buenos Aires are necessary as the bus journey is extremely long.
Planning Ushuaia?

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10

A historic port city

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a major port on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It was a key colonial city for trade. The city served as a primary point for the export of silver and the import of enslaved Africans. It was built to be defensible against pirates. Travel between December and March. This period offers the most pleasant weather for walking the city.

Suits
Those who enjoy colonial architecture and Caribbean culture.
Worth knowing
The city gets very hot and humid, so schedule outdoor activities for the early morning.
Planning Cartagena, Colombia?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.

Travel planning requires looking at local climate data before booking flights. Ensure your expectations match the reality of the season you choose.

Questions people ask


What is the best month to visit these locations?

It depends entirely on the region. Destinations in the southern hemisphere are best from December to March, while parts of Asia are better from November to February.

Are these places crowded?

Yes, major tourist sites are almost always crowded during their peak seasons. You can reduce wait times by arriving at opening hours.

Should I book tickets in advance?

For popular sites like Angkor Wat or the Sydney Opera House, booking in advance is essential. It saves time and guarantees entry.

Is the weather always good in the recommended months?

The recommended months represent the best statistical weather. However, localized rain or storms can happen at any time.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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